Gigawatts (GW) to Megawatts Converter
Enter a value to instantly convert between power units.
1 Gigawatt = 1000 Megawatt
Key Formulas
Kilowatt → Horsepower (mech)
hp = kW × 1.34102Horsepower (mech) → Kilowatt
kW = hp × 0.7457Watt → Kilowatt
kW = W × 0.001Kilowatt → Watt
W = kW × 1000Formula
MW = GW × 1000One gigawatt equals exactly 1,000 megawatts. This conversion describes utility-scale power generation and national grid capacity. Gigawatts quantify the total electrical infrastructure of countries and continents; megawatts describe individual power plants. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for energy policy, renewable energy planning, and understanding grid capacity discussions.
Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-World Examples
National renewable energy capacity: 1 GW = 1,000 MW of solar/wind infrastructure.
1 GW = 1000 MW
Large country grid (e.g., UK) total fossil capacity ~60 GW = 60,000 MW baseload power.
2 GW = 2000 MW
Regional power pool: 0.5 GW = 500 MW peak capacity serving 300,000-500,000 people.
0.5 GW = 500 MW
Major nation wind energy target: 5 GW = 5,000 MW offshore and onshore combined.
5 GW = 5000 MW